A few of the latest!

Here are some of the latest from our HOME...



To BEGIN...Gabriel has always shown us the best way to get bumps and bruises and his latest experiment was with the bark of a tree trunk! I'm thinking the TREE made the bigger impression! Ahhh BOYS






next...BENJAMIN in a diaper, RED rubber boots, pushing a cart with BABY and holding a GUITAR!! That pretty much sums up my littlest man! Just about any time of day he has at least one of these items....this time, he must have really been feeling LIFE to the fullest, because he had it ALL!





There's also this WONDERFUL secret I'm trilled to share!!! This man of mine, the one I followed, WHOLE-HEARTEDLY half way across the country! I"M CRAZY 'BOUT HIM!!! P.S Notice all that blue sky in the background??? Just about EVERY DAY so far!

Half Way There

I have been having trouble lately, finding the motivation to stay on task during the day. It seems like, from the beginning of the day I am already behind and don't seem to make much progress by the days end. Even though, the dishes in the sink are not the same dishes, it is still full of dirty ones. Though the toys on the floor have been picked up numerous times, there are still toys on the floor. Though I may have washed all the dirty laundry, it is still in baskets, unfolded and waiting to be put away. To top it off, I am much more easily drawn to tasks than people and my most important "tasks" happen to be 3 growing little persons.

So, after some inspirational scriptures and prayer last night I was ready for a "New" day today!
1) GET DRESSED (yes, I spend some days in my pajamas, productive, but in sweat pants)
2) Get the boys dressed (they don't seem to mind either way...so it's not uncommon for them to stay in jammies most of the day)
3) Eat and Feed Breakfast BEFORE any chores
4) Employ the youngsters to help wash up from breakfast and do dishes
5) Clean as we go...everyone together, not moving onto the next task until cleaning up from the current one

AT NOON TODAY, my entire house was clean! Dishes were done, children dressed, clean clothes put away, toys off the floor, beds made, meals eaten on time. We even played a bit. (They saved me from a bomb that was going to blow up our city-so valiant!) Now, before you start thinking I got it all figured out, the story continues...

Bed time for Ben. Since he is the only one that takes a nap, I usually lay down with him and read a story. The problem today, was that, after the story was over, he was still a bit restless so I stayed with him for a while. After a bit, the bed started feeling so cozy, the blankets were warm, my little sweetheart was snuggling up with me and my eyes couldn't resist "resting" for just a few minutes....ahhhhh.

The other boys were having quiet time, but somewhere in my contented slumber, I heard playful voices. "Boys, read your books" I say, half conscious, knowing I will not follow up if they aren't. A little while later, seeing them playing in the room. "Play quietly" I reprimand, knowing full well I'm already slipping back into sleep. Then, finally, confronted with the constant request, "Can we watch a movie?" "Um," (darn, I should say no, but I'm so warm and sleepy. It'll keep them out of trouble. I really wanted to only do television on Sat morning, But I shouldn't...Oh) "Okay!" I give in!

A while later I stir back into mommy-land! A little groggy, a little guilty, pretty rested! I take a final glance at Benjamin sleeping soundly on his bed. My sweet boy! Hearing the movie playing in the other room, I remember the granted request. Darn, if only I hadn't taken a nap. I was also suppose to go grocery shopping before dinner and try to tackle another load or two of laundry.

As for now, I only have time for one task; out to the farm for fresh milk and eggs (can't do without), or to the store for groceries (also another necessity)? I'm leaning towards the farm...the grocery store will have to wait. Maybe tomorrow...IF I can leave BEFORE nap time lures me in! : )

Kansas or Bust!!!

We are here, we are unpacked, and so far, we love it!!! One of the greatest factors is that we now have a glorious back yard!!! The boys LOVE it and are often out first thing in the morning, pajamas and all! There isn't anything terribly exciting in our yard. There aren't really any trees to speak of, we don't have a playset, it's mostly just concrete and grass....but OH, the adventure! A stick, a ball, a puddle of water; that'll do!

As for me, this is probably my favorite house so far. It's not anything special, a ranch. But, it's just right. There is enough room for us to be comfortable, good storage and cupboard space, but not too much to clean. Our landlord gave a close to free-range on painting and decorating, which is exciting, but also dangerous. I have sooo many ideas already!

There is also a YMCA less than a mile away, and for the first time in a LONG time, I'm feeling the motivation to start exercising regularly. Ready to get rid of some extra flab ; ) The people we've met so far are very hospitable and courtesy seems to be common. Nearly everyone holds doors for everyone else, and when I went to the grocery store they automatically helped me out to the car and loaded my groceries.

Though it's pretty windy, the weather has been warm and outdoor worthy! I hope to get more pics as we go, but here is the latest of the boys playing with our packing materials. Then there's Ben, who was so fond of his pajama shorts, asked me to put them back on after he was dressed!